Responding to the Trial and Verdict of Officer Van Dyke

As the trial of Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke nears completion, we will take every appropriate precaution to ensure the safety of our entire school community. Your child’s safety is our top priority.

Dear Senn High School Parents and Families,

As the trial of Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke nears completion, we will take every appropriate precaution to ensure the safety of our entire school community. Your child’s safety is our top priority and the city has a multi-agency interdisciplinary plan in place to ensure that Chicagoans can express themselves peacefully about the verdict.

We have also been working with the Office of Safety and Security to review our school’s safety plans should we need to utilize them.

We also expect that students will want to discuss the issues connected to the trial. We value student voice and believe that it is important for students to have opportunities to share their perspectives and engage in meaningful inquiry with their peers. Our educators hold a special position in the classroom and will create a safe space for students to consider, analyze, and discuss the trial. They will ensure that sensitive issues and different points of view are handled with a high level of professionalism and thoughtfulness to support students through the discussion.

I recognize that you may have questions or concerns about how we plan to discuss the trial. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.